Starting Loop: Onboarding and Therapy Settings

The settings that you’ll see when you first open the Loop app vary based on which version of Loop you’ve built and which pump you use.

The setup described below is for the Main branch.  For more details, check out LoopDocs.

Initial Loop Set-Up and Configuration

Please review the steps in LoopDocs Set up Apps section on how to add your Pump, CGM, and Services to Loop.

A few things are highlighted below for quick reference (they are found in LoopDocs, but there are a lot of pages . . .)

Step 3: Add CGM – update for Dexcom CGM

• New with Loop 3, you can use Dexcom G7 (in addition to Dexcom One, G5 and G6)
• Do not enter Dexcom Share credentials when you enter your CGM
• If you inadvertently add Dexcom Share credentials, delete your CGM and add it back with just the Dexcom Transmitter ID

Step 4: Configuration – Pre-Meal Target Override

• Some people prefer to leave this blank
• The consequence is you cannot use it (but you can still prebolus)
• The advantage is you won’t accidentally bump it and turn off an override by mistake
• If you enter Pre-Meal Target Override values and later change your mind about utilizing this feature, it’s very easy to go back into your Therapy Settings and delete your values.

Step 4: Configuration – Dosing Strategy

You have two options- Temp Basal Only or Automatic Bolus.  If you select Temp Basal Only, then Loop will only provide increased insulin delivery through an increase in the Temporary Basal (approximately 17% of Recommended Insulin every 5 minutes).  Once you are sure your settings are properly adjusted to work with the Loop algorithm, you may want to try the Automatic Bolus dosing strategy (approximately 40% of Recommended Insulin every 5 minutes) which provides the needed correction more rapidly.

New Loopers: Skim over the next paragraph – but remember it exists if you need more flexibility later – especially if you have a Little Looper.

For those of you who are trying the Custom Type One Loop Patches,  you will have more configuration options available in your iPhone settings under Loop (that’s right, in your iPhone settings and not in your Loop app settings).  With the exception of the Add Now Marker, which is merely a display feature, make changes to these features when you have time to watch how they work.  If your Looper is a child, please don’t make an adjustment on a school night and send them off in the morning.  As with all Loop changes, it’s best to wait and watch.

• Add Now Marker
  A vertical line is presented on each of the 4 main charts on the main Loop screen
  This can be enabled or disabled (default)
• Automatic Strategy Switching
  Switch Dosing Strategy from Temp Basal to Automatic Bolus at a glucose level you choose
• Negative IOB Factor
  Restrict the insulin Loop doses for negative IOB to prevent rebound lows
  This feature is disabled by selecting a factor of 100% (default setting is 1.0, same as 100%)
  Note – this modifies what Loop records as IOB whenever IOB is negative
• Partial Bolus Application Factor
  Adjust the percentage of recommended insulin that Loop delivers for each Automatic Bolus when that Dosing Strategy is selected
• Basal Lock
  Prevent Loop from reducing or suspending insulin when you go over a set glucose value to assist with stubborn highs
  Basal is “locked” to be no lower than the scheduled rate (overrides are ignored)
  Use with care; meant for high glucose >250 mg/dL (13.9 mmol/L)
  When used improperly, this can cause lows
  Use caution with these features and adjust conservatively and slowly for safety.

Step 5: Loop Services – Nightscout

• One more plea to consider adding Nightscout
• You can use Loop without Nightscout, but should you?
• To be a great Looper with great settings, Nightscout is your best friend

FreeAPS

As of January 2023, we are recommending that FreeAPS users migrate to Loop 3.  FreeAPS is based upon Loop 2.2 and not being updated.